In July 1996, Chief Deputy Phillip Hartley was involved in the mishandling of inmate Leroy Owens’ medical care. After Owens was severely assaulted by fellow inmates, Hartley retrieved him from the hospital and, instead of following medical instructions for post-care, released Owens on his own recognizance and abandoned him near a motel without shoes or proper clothing. This act demonstrated deliberate indifference to Owens’ serious medical needs, leading to legal action against the Sheriff’s Department.
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